Gas-operated firearm.



No. 788,453. EATEHTBD FEB. 28, 1905; s E McGLBAN GAS OPERATED FIREARM.

APPLIUATIOI FILED RAB. 11, 1899.

3 BREWER-SHEET I,

I nve ntar JMMM Witn ss ,wa/w

PATBNTED FEB. 28, 1905 s. N. MQ'GLBAN. GAS OPERATED FIREARM.

APPLIGATION TILED MAR. 11.

Inventor Il a-iii..." W

63m wkN x S k-W PATENTBD FEB. 28, 1905.

8. N. McGLEAN. GAS OPERATED FIREARM.

APPLIOATION FILED 11.111.11.1899.

clillllllnlrlllillll Inventor UNITED STATES Patented February 28, 1905.

PATENT FFICE,

GA S-OPEHATED FIREARM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 783,453, dated February 28, 1905. Application on March 11, acs; Serial 1o. 708,737-

.7 all whom, it may concern:

Be it known thntI, SAMUELNIML MoOLnAN, a citizen of the United States of America, rcsiding at \Vashington, in the'county of Washington and State of Iowa, have invented cer tain new and useful Improvements in Breech- Loading and Discharge-Actuated Firearms; and 1 do hereby declare that the foilowing is a fall, clear, and exact description of thosame. My invention relates to brooch-loading and discharge-actuated firearms, and more particularly to automatic and semi automatic fire-arms. The object of the invention is to utilize the force of the discharge for operating the arm and to provide certain means for controlling and modifying the force of the discharge, elso to cause the force of the discharge to operate 0n the different parts of the arm in any such manner as the safe, easy, and advantageous action and coaction of the parts may require.

{inns of the above kind as heretofore coristrnctcd when discharged by any of the highpressnre powders have been subjected to enormously sevcrc and injurious firing strains,

and the action of these strains on theopersting parts of the arm as heretofore constructed has been such as to subject the operating parts to a great variety of severe, transverse, lKJl'SlOflltl, complex, and destructive strains, which strains on the construction and action of the operating parts has tended to render the operation of the arm dangerous, uncertain, and (lillicult, also to shorten the life and endurance of enormously-expensive arms and to materially and injuriously afi'ect their accuracy of lire.

One object of my invention is to construct a gnnin \vhichthe strains of firing shall he received in thcline of greatest strength, distributor] correctly on every part of the arm, limited to the least possible area, and that the plan of the operating parts shall not cut away and destroy the strength and symmetry of the frame.

machine-gun,

in quick-firing guns,

as heretofore constructed the manner in which the firing strains have been received and distributed on the operating such as the ordinary parts of the arm has been such as to render the construction of thcsenrms complex and very expensive and to render their operation uncertain, irregular, and liahic to breakage,

and this has been especially true of such gone when actuated by the direct forccof the discharge. Ono object of my invention is to provide certain means ectuating force shall be controlled to exert its power on the operating parts'in such manner as wiii not be injurious to the some and will remed; the above dilliculties.

Another object of my invention is to construct a gun in which the plan of the operating parts shall be formed to handle ammunition by the most direct and simple movements and combinations attainable.

I attain some of the results before described by means of certain regulating devices for controlling the application of the force of the discharge to the bolt-action, which means may be formed to. give any required power in operating the bolt-action to either increase, prolong, or diminish the same and may be controlled positively at will.

I also attain some of the above results in gasactimtcd guns by connecting the bolt-action with a gztswcntrolling device which utilizes the ball as a valve to govern and prolong and either increase or diminish the power of the gas in operating the bolt.

1 also attain some of the foregoing improvements by constructing a' gun in which the breech mechanism is combined with gas-controlling means and n g'ascntcliing chnz'nber of such length and diameter that the breech mechanism is thrown to open position while the ball is passing through the chamber.

My invention also consists in a gun having a breech mechanism actuated by the force of the discharge, combined with means which permit the breech mechanism to not freely during its movement to open position, but which retard the action of the some while in the not of returning to tiring position; and, finally, the invention consists in certain clotsils of construction andcombination of parts, which will hereinafter he more fully described and then pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, which are by which the discharge- 5 position.

: the magazine-door S.

lzereby made a part of this spec-ilicathJn, Figurel is abroken longitiuliual cei'itral section of the arm with parts in elevation and the operating parts in their rear or loading Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the magazine, illustrating the action of the cartridge-lifter '.l and the cartridgefeeding pawl U, together with the drivingrod F and cartridges. Fig. 3 is a top view of Fig. 4 is a transverse section of the magazine-door, taken on the line 0 c of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a trans\-'erse section of Fig. 6 on the linecld. Fig. 6 is aside view of the magazine-door S. Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line l) I: of Fig. 1, showing the llanged relation of the handle P with the frame. Fig. 8 is a ,transverse sectional view of the arm, taken 7/ through the rear end of the magazine R and through the rear end of the drivmgrod F.

Fig. 9 is a t'ausverse sect-ion of the weapon on the line (I. aof Fig. 1, showing the hinged relation of the cartridge-liftm- -'.l and cartridge-feeding pawl U with the frame C. Fig.

=5 10 is a side elevation of the cartridge-feeding pawl U. Fig. 11 is a transverse section oi Fig. 10 on the line 0- a. Fig. 12 is a bottom view of Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is aside elevation of the cartridge-lifter. Fig. 14 is a transverse section of Fig. 13 on the line f'f. Fig. 1-5 is a top view of Fig. 13. Fig. 15*is a section on line 15" 15", Figs. 13 and 15. Fig. 16 is a longitudinal central sectional view of the barrel and receiver with parts in elevation and 3 5 illustrating the operating parts in the forward ol discharged position. Fig. 17 is a bottom plan view. F i'g. 18 is a side elevation, and Fig. 19 is a real-end view, of the d living-rod F. Fig. 20 is a rear elevation of the bolt-timing 4o latch l), with its flanged construction shown by transverse sections on the lines I: Z: and Z l.

'fFig. 21 is a rear end view of the breech-bolt D, showing the bolt-timing latch D and the spring by which the latch is actuated. Fig. 22 is a bottom plan view of the breech-bolt,

showing the bolt-timing latch I) and the camfaces 1), by which the bolt is rotated. Fig. 23 is a front end view of the breech-bolt, showin the manner in which the body part of the be t is cut out to permit the cartridge-inagazine to rise up into line with the barrel. Fig. 24 is a longitudinal central section of the breech-bolt, taken on the line j j, of Fig. 23. Fig. 25 is a side elevation and top view of the shell-extractor.- Fig. 26 is an enlarged side elevation of the forward part of the frame 0, illustrating the relation of the driving-rod F to the piston V, which controls the firing speed of the arm. Fig. 27 is a transverse section of the frame U. showing the piston V and its coutrol-valve in elevation. Fig. 28 is a transverse section of the frame (3 and the handle P on the line y, Fig. 16. Fig. 29 is aside elevation of the handle. Fig. 30 is aside ele- 5 ration of the magazine, showing the feed- I latch lt'. Fig. 31. is atop view of Fig. 30. showing the feed-hitch 1i and the manner in which the lugs R? project into the magazine, together with the flange at the rear end of the magazine for guiding and retaining the cartridge-clip. Fig. 32 is aside elevation oi" the magazine cut-oll' \V, showing its handle part \V' and the cam-face \V", by which it lil ts the cm'tridge-l'eeding pawl out of action. Fig. 3-) is a section of Fig. 32 on the line 1/1. at.

governs the speed of tiring, and its valve V detached. Fig. 34" is a section on the line i i, Fig. 34. Fig. 35 is a broken view of the upper side of the handle 1, as shown in Figs. 16 and 2!). illustrating the construction of the handle-latch (1. Fig. 36 is a broken view, partly in section, of the rear end ofthe barrel and forward end of the receiver, illustrating the bolt-locking shoulders A of the receiver. Fig. 37 is a detailed plan view ol" the liringpin and the screw-collar by which it is retained in the breech-bolt. Fig. 38 is a horizontal section of the barrel and receiver, showing the shoulders A, the retaining-wings of the magazine It on its upper side, and the guides C of the frame 0. on which the breech-bolt rests when it is reci p rocated. Fig. 39 is a front end view of the gas-chamber. Fig. *0 is a part section, part side elevation of the gas-chain ber, showing the. screw-tb read by which it is attached to the barrel, also the gastube G and the manner in which this tube is attached to tho gas-chamber, together with the opening 1', through which the tube communicates with the gas-chamber. Fig. 41 is a horizontal section of the magazine, taken on a line with the cam-lugs It of Fig. 30 and showing the driving-rod F and the camlugs F on the under side of the rod F, which actuate the lugs R to withdraw the lugs R in operating the magazine-feed R. Fig. 42 isa vertical section of the parts shown in Fig. 41. Fig. 43 isasideelcvation of the right-hand side of the arm with the right stock-wall broken away. Fig. 44 is accutral sectional view of a modification of the gas-chamber. Fig. 45 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a modification of the gaschamber, in which a portion of the gas-chamber is integrally formed with the barrel. Fig. 46 is a vertical central section of the cartridge-clip. Fig. 47 is a central sectional view of the forward end of thegas-cluunber, showing,on an enlarged scale, the gas-plug CI" in elevation; and Fig. 48 is a broken longitudinal scction of the muzzle end of one form of the barrel.

in the accompanying drawings, the receiver is denoted by the r. l"erence-lctter A, the barrel by the reference-letter B, the frame by the reference-letter U, the breech-bolt by the reference-letter l), the extractor by the referencelettcr l), the driving-rod by the reference-letter F, the gas-tube by the relorencc-letter (1', the driving-swing by the reTerence-letter ll,

Fig. 34 shows in elevation the pawl V, which the gas chalnher or gas-catcher by the referonce-letter I, the untridge-ejector by the ref creucedetter K, the trigger hy the referenceletter L the sear by the reference-letter M, the liring-pin by the reference-letter N, the trigger-lock by the reference-letter O, the handle by the reference-letter P. the handlelatch by the reference-letter Q, the magazine by the reference-letter R, the magazine-door by the reference-letter S,'the cartridge-feeding pawl by the reference-letter U, the car-' Midge-lifter by the referen ce-letter'f, the pawl which governs the speed of firing by the reference-letter V, the magazine cut-oil by the reference-letterVS- and the cartridgcclip by the reference-letter X.

The receiver may have any form necessary to adapt it to the typeof brecch bolt action with which it is intended to be. used; hot {or the purpose of attaining certain manufactu ring and military advantages I prefer to form' the receiver as a hollow cylinder of snilicient length to entirely house the'bolt action in both its front and rear positions and provided on its upper side with an opening through which the cartridges mm be inserted or ejected and 1 on its under side with an opening in which the driving-rod may be reciprocated, and through which the magazine-feed of the cartridges may besccomplished. Theforward end of the receiver is formed with cavities or recesses located on its opposite sides, and both the front and rear faces of these cavities are cemmed or beveled to cause the operation of the boltaction to close home powerfullyagainst the end of the cartridge in looking and to start the withdrawal of the shell by the unlocking rotating action of the bolt. To prevent the receiver from springing under the strain of firing, these cavities are located immediately to the rear of the barrel and have their front wells bevelcdto provide additional stillness of the receiver between the lugs A, forming the rear walls of the cavities, and the end of the barrel. The logs A are also beveled across their rear corner to afford additional thicknose to resist the thrust of the .breeclrholt at its point of greatest strain. The rear end of the receiver is formed with an interrupted thread which is cut out to permit the end of the receiver to be closed by a dust-cap A. which is formed .with a corresponding interrupted thread.

The breech-bolt has a general cylindrical shape and is preferably integrally formed from a. bar of metal. The bolt-head is formed with locking-1n s D, which are beveled on their forward side to adapt them to the cavity forward of the lugs A in which they are rotated, and the forward end of the bolt is provided with an extractor-seat D, Figs. 22 and 24., the bottom of-which extractor-scat inlongitndinal section is formed on an arc of a circle to cause the en tractor to swing on the are when it engages with the cartridge and to positively retain it in engagement with the cartridge. The body part of the breech-bolt is cut out on its'nnder side in order to permit the breech-bolt to pass over the top of the magazine, which is elevated nearly into line with the bore of the barrel. This part of the breeolrbolt is provided on its opposite sides with reverse cam-faces I), which are engaged by the shouldersF of the driving-rod (see Figs. 1, 8,16, and 18) to rotate the block in openin 1 and closing the breech. These cam-faces i) have a. straight part at their forward end to permit the firing action of the drive-rod after the bolt is locked. The rear end of the breechbolt is provided with a liangedguideway I), Fig. 24. to receive the bolt-latch I) of Figs. 20 and 21. This latch I) is e. flanged slide to adapt it to the breech-bolt end is beveled across its upper edge for engagement with the receiver and is V-shapcd on its lower edge also provided on its rear side with a chamber in which its actuating-spring is seated.

. The shell-extractor has a forward hooked extremity for engagement with the flange of the cartridge and has on its under side nearv its rear end a flange which in longitudinal section is formed on an arc of a circle to adapt it to the extractor-seat in which it is retained. It is also provided with a coiled spring E to exert a yielding tension thereon.

The frame 0 is formed to be attached to the under side of the receiver by a lip C. Fig. 2, for engagement with the receiver, and at its forward end it is attached to the receiver by the screw 0 of I i 1. This frame Ois provided in its midd e part with an opening to receive the magazine R and atthe rear of the magazine is out out or mortised to permitthe insertion of the trigger L, scar M, and cartridgeejector K. It is provided with'a rearwardlyextcnding nerd-strap C, which is formed with lateral flanges to receive and guide the handle P. In front of the megazinechamber the frame 0 is provided with a circular chamber, Figs. 1 and 2, in which is pivotslly supported the cartridge-lifter 'J. and the feed-pawl U, which governs the megazine-feech and in the forward end of the frame (3 is located another circular chamberin which metahnnd in a 'eneral wayltconforms tothe I shape of the cartrid es. The rear end of the magazine is flanged to form a gnideway R for the reception of the cartridge-clipnw show :1 in Figs. 30 and 31. This guideway It projccts rearward and forms a shoulder R, Fig. 16, which engages with a. shouldern." on the cartridge-clip to retain it in lixed engagement with the guides R until the magazine is empty. The forward side of the magazine is open to permit the upward movementof the cartrid lifter, as shown in Fig. 2.

Attached to the sides oi. the magazine R, F 3 31, are the cartridge-feed latches ll, which are provided with lugs R, lying in the path of and engaged by the cam-lugs F", Figs. 17 and 18, of the driving-rod, and the upper extremity of these cartridge-feed latches is provided with lugs R, which are moved into and out of the path of the cm'tridges. The upper edges of the magazine are inwardly curved to extend into the path of the upward movemcnt'of the cartridges and operate as a stop to govern the passage of the cartridges from the magazine into the barrel.

The gun is operated by the driving-rod F, which may beactuatcd either by hand or by the. force of the discharge. The rear portion of the dri\-'ing-rod is bifurcated, Fig. l7,'in order to allow its arms to be lCCllHOUittBtl on the opposite sides of the magazine, while its extreme rear end is provided with a latch-shaped projection F for engagement with the latch l) to connect the drive-rod and the In'eechbolt. The drive-rod is also provided with shoulders F Fig. 3, which engage with the cam-guides D of the breech-bolt, F igs. 1. S, and 19. The log F, Fig. '19, reciprocates between the wings R. of the cartridge-nmgazinc and is guided in its reciprocating movement by the guides 0', formed on the upper part of. the frame C, as shown in Fig.

On the driving-rod F is formed a h1g1, which is provided with acam-face(see dotted lines, Fig. 18) on its innerside to engage with and .operate the cartridge-feed U. ()n the under side of the bifurcations oi. the drivingrod fare formed the cam-lugs F, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. These logs open or spread the} cartridge-feed latches R by engagement with lugs R Figs. 30 and 31. The logs F, as shown in these figures, are formed on the right-hand side of the driving-rod to engage with the speed-firing pawl V, Fig. 26.

The forward end ol. the driving-rod F is preferalilv' formed of a hollow tube, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18, and at its front end is providml with a. piston which may have suitable grooves to contain a lubricating preparation to prevent corroding of the gas-tube (.i by the action of the gases of discharge.

The gas tube or cylinder may be formed of any suitable nmterial; but] prefer to form it of nickel-steel to reduce the injury due to the corroding action oi the gases of discharge. This tube is provided at its rear end withnscrew-plug G, against which the driving-spring H bears, as shown in Fig. 16, and the forward end of the tube is threaded to be screwed into the gas-chamber vl, as shown in Figs. 4:0 and 45, and may be screwed into the gals-chamber.F to red nee-the opening into the gas-chaml icr, thus forming an adjustimmt to control the quantila of the gas iuhnitted to the tube. In Fig. 40 the front end of this tube G is shown cut out on its upper side to form an opening for the admission oi the gas, and its under side operates to cl e th outer end of the opening l, thus doing away with the necessity For plugging this opening I on the under side of the gas-chamlun'.

'lbe gas-clunuber I may beeither integrally l'ormed with the gun-barrel, as in Fig. 45, or it may be formed to be det'lehably attiwhcd to the gun-bm-rcl as in Fig. 1 'lfhegaschamber when formed as a cham mrcd piece to be attached at the end oi the barrel consists oi. a cylinder having a. bore which is Formed in line with the boreoi thcbarreland the rear end of which is threzulcd to allow the chamber to be screwed to the end of the barrel. 'lhis gas-cluunber has a born or longitudinal chamber which is snllicicutly larger than the ball or projectile to allow a portion oi the gas of d iseharge to escape around the ball, thus reducing and relieving the gasprcssuro in tho ,e'as-chamlurr and at the same time utilizing the ball during, its passage as a valve in catching and retaining the required gas-pressure lo opm'ate the arm. The under side of the gas-ehamlmr in this detachable Construction is formed with a projecting arm or bracket which is provided with a chamber or opening communicating with the longitudinal part oi" the gas-chamber and which is threaded to permit the insertion of the gastube G.

The extension of the g ms-chamber I", Fig. 41'), is a tube having, its front end open for the free passage of the projectile and is provided with a scre\\-'-tbre:u| on its inner side to engage with a. companion thread on the gaschamber. This extension .1" is knurled to all'ord a convenient means of adjusting, it.

In the modification of the gas-chamber which is shown in Fig. 455 the longitudinal part of the gas-chamber is formed integrally with the barrel and is of a diameter suiliciently larger than the barrel to permit the escape of the gas around the ball and has a length which may be varied tosuitany length of time during which the gas-pressure is required, and the diameter oi its here may be decreasml or diminished or may be of any required size to secure in the gas-tube (ithe desired gas-pressure necessary to operate the breech mechanism. This preferred form oi construction of the gas-chamber controls the quantity of gas which shall be forced into the gas-chamber and the power which it shall exert in the same and the length 0! time lhe desired gas-pressure shall be retained in the chamber. in this Form of the gas-chamber the part I is formed as a detachable band which may he slipped onto the. end ol. the barrel until it arrives over thcopcning I on the under sideul the barrel, and at which point it is lixedly retained by the pin l. 'lhis band is provided with a threaded chamber for lhe reception of the gastubc (i and has an opening which conmnmicates with the opening I. This hand I may also be formed tonot its a bond or holder to retain the forward end of the fore-stock, as is usual in an arm provided with n musket style 5 of stock. The ghs-chmnher I is also provided at its forwnrd end with n. screw-plug i, having it flaring outer end to cause the plug when screwed into the gnschanlber to diminish the size of the bore of the gas-chember, as shown in Fig. 47. thus increasing the pressure of the gas within the chamber. The band I is knurled on its outer side nnd thread ed on its inner side to engage with a. compo-ni'on thread on the chamber 1 or the purpose of either partially or entirely closing the opening 1' into the gins-chamber.

ihe driviug-s 'n'ing H is formed to be retained in the tube G- and to exert :1 yielding tension on the driving-rod and is preferably lubricated with a. preparation formed of oil and block-lend or plumhu-go to prevent corroding and rusting.

The rotary piston V, which governs the speed of tiring, (see Figs. 16, 26, 27, end 34,) has n. body part V and the )rogocting arm V and is supported in a cylindrical chamber formed in the forward end of the frame 0 by the pivots V", on which it turns, and its body part is provided with n vnlrescat V in which is located the valve V. The chamber V in which this piston is located, is closed by a. circular disk Vi, which is screwed into it, as shown in Fig. 27, and on its upper side the chamber is provided with a partition V. The chamber is filled with oil, and the device controls the speed of tiring, as hereinafter set forth.

Thecnrtridge-ejectorKis pirotnliy'support- 'ed in thefrnme C, and its forward end is located in the pntlrof the terminal movement of the breech-bolt and is notched to form on engngenicnt with the cartridge. it is engaged by the spring K and has n cam-lug K projectiug' laterally from its rearwrird end into the path of a cam F on the heel of the drivingrod F. The scar M is also pivotolly supported in the frame and hose rearward extremity, which rises into the path of'theglriw ing-rod F, and it forward extremity. which is provided with notches M and M" to ongnge with the trigger and to govern both the single-tiring and speed-firing action of the weapon.

The trigger L is piv'olally supported in the frame and has the usual cutwau'd-projeeting linger portfor actuating it. end at its upper enditunrr be provided with a nose L, hinged thereto, which Acts as a. toggle-joint to neg meet the lifting or disengaging power of the trigger.

in the modification of the trigger shown in Fig. 4.3 the nose L is integrally formed with the upper end-of the triggernnd has adirect engagement with the sear by means of a com- 5' face, and the modified form of the sear M the handle I and is spring-pressed to engage shown in the saine figure is attached at the side of the receiver to govern the Olhllldillllig notion of the driving-rod, nndin such construction the lugs F and F. Fig. 43, of

the driving-rod F correspond to the sournotches M and M, es shown in Fig. 1.

The trigger cut-oll' 0, Figs. 1, 16. 29, and 43,, is it slide which is mounted in thchandle 1 end is movable into and out of the path of the trigger. it is provided on its under side with :1 lug to engage with the notches P, I, and l" of the handle 1. (See Fig. l.) The auxiliary seer-lug O engages with the auxilinrysenr M to control the single-loading end single-tiring action of this seer Fig. 43.

The handle-latch Q, Figs. 16 28, and 38, is e spring-latch formed to engage and retain the handle locked in its forward position and to he disengaged from the handle by a pressure of the thumb or linger. in Fig. 28 it is shown as a. spring-stud curried in the frame G, and in Fig. 1'6 a. modification of the handlelatch is shown at Q", where it is shown as n. thumb-piece which is pivotnlly supported in with the frame one pressed by the finger-to release the handle. The handle is connected with the dri\-'ing-rod F bythc connecting-rod P, Fig.1, whose forward end enters the tube or forward part of the driving-rod F and is reteined in the d riving-rod by means of a screw F, (shown in Figs. 17am] 18,) so that the rod P can telescope with the tubular pert of the d riving-rod, but cannot be entirely withdrawn therefrom.

The cartridge-lifter T is pivotell supported in the frame (3 on thepivotC. it sonforms to the shape of the cartridge and hes its pivots! end chambered to provide space for its actuating-spring T" which is coiled 5 about the pivot C. It is provided withn. lug T for-engagement with a. shoulder on the magazine-door and with a ratchet T, Fig. 13. to engage with the feeding-pawl U, by which it is operated.

The cartridge-feeling pawl-lever U is pivotelly supported in the frame 0 by the pivot U" and has n. disk-shaped body, which is chain'- bered to provide o. space or opening for its actuating coiled spring U". vided with n pew] U. which engages with therntehet T. On its rearwardlr-projccting arm is located a. emu-faced lug U, which lies in the path of and is engaged by the drivingrod. lho pivot-bearing of the piuvl-lever is elongated toward its lower side to permit the pawl-lover to he shifted by the cartridge eutoil, and thus disengaged from tho rntchot'l".

The magazine-door S is snpportedin the IIO ' frame 0 on the pivot U and has a. hub part 5 which is out out to. ull'ord space for its actuating coiled spring, Fig. 6, n cnm-fiico Sforcngngenrent with the feed ing pawl-lover U. and it shoulder S to engage with the cartridgelifter T. The rearwardly-projccting arm of 3 it is also prothe magazine-door is u-nfora.bl flanged to form a covering for the magazine.

The magazine cut-oll' W, Figs. 32and 33, is dish-shaped and 18 provided with a tlunnhpiece W and a cam-face W and is pivotally supported on the outer side of the magazine by the pivot O (See Fig. 16.)

The cartridge-clip a', l ig. 46, has a flanged guideway f for engaging with the flange or groove of the cartridges, and its respective opposite ends are formed with integralspriuglatches a to retain the cartridges in lixcd relation with the clip and to release the same when actuated by the magazinefeed. The middle part of the cartridge-clip is provided with an integrally-lormcd projection orlug a." to engage with theshoulderlt" of the guideway R of the magazine and retain the cartridge-clip in lixed relation with the magazine during the operation of the cartridge-feeding pawl. The cartridge'clip a is also formed to be retained in position by themagazine-drunwhen closed and to drop out when the magazine-door is 0 1G or to be turned out by onwigcmeut wit! the cartridge-Ii f tor.

'lhe opcrationol the gun is as follows: Supposing the operating parts to be in the withdrawn or leading position and the breechbolt resting in the rear part of the receiver the discharge of the arm is effected by a pull of the linger on the trigger L. This causes the sear M to be disengaged from the drivingrod F and permits the spring H. through the driving-rod, to advance the breech-bolt until it has pushed the topmost cartridge from the magazine into the cartridgccluuubcr of the barrel, the connection of the d riving-rod and breech-bolt being effected by the engagement of the high" with thcspring-prcsscd latch D. This latch is retained in engagement with the thfiring-rocl by the pressure of its spring and prevented from disengaging from the d riving-rod by the fact that the upper end of the latch D is formed to bear against the upper inner side of the receiver-wall, which provents it from rising and nnlatehing from the drive-rod until the bolt has been advanced to its forward position and the upper end of the latch l) is brought into the cut-out or segmental groove A" in the receiver, at which time the force of the forward movementof thcdriving-rod causes thclateh l) to hclil'icd by the cam action of the lug F on the V- shaped lower end of the latch, thus permitting the d riving-rod to be disconnected from the latch and to cause the shoulders I!" on the. driving-amt Figs. 8, l6, and If), to traverse the cam-faces l) on the under side of the breechbolt and accomplish the rotating locking action of the bolt. The straight part of these cam-guides D permits the driving-rod to have a limited forward movement after the locking action of the bolt is complete, and this terminal movement of the d riving-rod effects the disl dill'ercnt ways. 5 charge of the weapon by bringing the driving- 5 reduce the gas-pressure and cause it to exert rod into contact with the rear end of the liringpin. 'lhoshell-cxtractnr li, Figs. lfiflZiLQ-Land 2:"), is brought iluo latched engagement with the cartridge by this advance movcmeutof tluln'ccch-holh and its operation is as follows: 'lhc arched construction of the exla'actor-seat i) and the mn'rcs miuling curve of that part of the i :xtra.|;:tor which engages with the oxtractor-scnt are such that they permit the extractor to slip or turn on the are of the extractor-scat sullicicnt to allow its forward end to be raised over thcllnnge of therzartridgcby the beveled shape of the extractor and the pressure of the spring l'l causes the extractor to drop into locln'd engagement with the car tridgc as soon as its fm-ward end has passed beyond thecartridge-Ilangc. '.l hisarche(.l construction of the extractor-scat permits the extractor to be firmly retained in the extractorseat and at the same time swing freely for a snllicicnt distance to engage [he cartridge. it also causes the extractor to close down and maintain a lixcd locked enguginncnt with the cartridge as soon as the extracting pull is begun.

lpon the discharge of the weapon the gas chamber utilizes the ball asa valve to control the power of the gas in actuating the breach mechanism. This result is attained as follows: When the bull, driven by the force of the gas, has passed through thebarrel and emerges into the gas-chamher 'l', the funneled or tapered shaped of the rear end of the chamber 1' permits the gas to escape around the ball thus permitting the gas to escape gradually until a satisfactory red notion of the gas-pressure is effected, this being determined partly by the size of the chamber 1'. During the passage of the ball into and through the chamber I it partial ly plugs up or closes this chamber and in so doing operates as a valve which causes the gas to be piu'tially checked, and a. portion thereof passes through the opening i into the gas-tube G, driving the piston 1 hack. and thus causing the driving-rod F to unlock and withdraw the breech-bolt. ltis thusiuiparent that the gas-chamber controls the force and action of the gas-current and the operating parts of the arm by permitting the gas to escape around the projectile before the force of the gas-currol'it is brought to bear on the action thus using the hallas a valv to secure auydesirml or required reduction in the pressure of the gas-current before the force of the gas-current is thrown on to the action. It is also apparent that the gas-chamber main-' tains the operating pressure of the gas-current on the operating parts by causing the projectile to act as a valve during the ('nti re time that the projeclile is passing through the gas-clmmtu-r.

The quantity of gas required to operate the action may be controlled in any one of several in the lirst plaec in order to a. sufiiciently gentle force in the operation of the arm, the gas-chamber I may he formed to have any required d iametcr, thus allowing any desired amount of the gas to escape around the hall and reducing the gas-pressure in this way to any desired degree; The proper pressure will depend upon the relation of the traschamber to the bore of the barrel and to the size of the projectile and to the pressure of the gas in discharging the projectile. It is apparent that the bore of the gas-chamber 1' may be increased or diminished by means of a screw adjustment or any other mechanical device suitable for the purpose, thus allowing the quantity of the-gas which is caught an deflected by thegas-chambcr to be controlled at will, for which purpose I have shown a screw-adjusting nozzle. 1, Fi e. 5 and 47,

v and it is also apparent that a slot and adjustahlcband, Fig. 45, may be utilized to allow a portion of the gas to escape from the chamber 1' for-the same purpose, and it is further apparent that the length of the gas-chamber can be lengthened or shortened, as shown in the screw-adjustable tube 1", Fig; 40, thus prolonging or shortening the action of the gascurrcnt, all of these several means affording a means of increasing the operating power to adapt it to a dirty gun or to crooked or deformed ammunition.

1n the construction of the gas-chamber shown in FigL-B the lip or projection 1' is ac tuated by the gas-current to prevent the toadency of the pointof the arm to be thrown up by the iorceof the recoil, and it is also apparent that the forward pressure of the gascurrent in the gas-chamber reduces the recoil to amioimum.

The breech-bolt is both rcciprocated and locked by lslJie direct action of the driving-rod F, driven y the gases of, discharge, acting against the piston F, which piston maybe inbricated by any suitable oil. mixed with plumbago or black-lead. This should be mixed to a pro perconsistency and placed in the grooves of the piston and upon the walls of the gastube G, and when so placed it will effectually prevent rusting and the corroding action of the gases of explosion, as well as the forma- H01? of scales or crust on the inside of the gastu e.

The unlocking and withdrawal of the breechbolt is situated by the driving-rod in a inauner which is the reverse of that described in its forward and locking movement. During the initial part of the driving-rods rearward movement the shoulders 13 traverse the straightpart of-the cams i) on the block, an thus permit the drive-rod to start freely on its unlocking movement of the bolt, so thatwhen it commences to traverse the cam-faces D it has considerable momentum of movement, thus overcoming any tendency of the breechblock to stick. The drive-rod in bothits forword and rearward movement is fixedly guided by the opening A on the under side of the receiver in which it is moved and by its ongag'cment with the frame U. The movcnmnt of the drive-rod causes the shoulders F as they push past the cam-faces l) to roll the bolt into its unlocked position, and when the lug F of the drive-rod comes into engagement with the latch I) in the end of the bolt the cum or beveled facoou the rear side of the lug F causes the cam-face on the under side of the latch l) to be lifted up into the cut-out part or glOOViIA oi the receiver, thus preventing the breech-bolt from starting back until the lug F has brought its V-shaped notch into engagement with the V-shapcd end of the slide 1), permitting the slide 1) to drop down out of the groove A and. allowing the breech-bolt to be withdrawn in astraightline after the unlocking of the bolt action is cornplcte and preventing this action untilthe bolt is fully unlocked.

The lug F on the driring-rodwill on account of its length come into contact with the under edge of the latch l) slightly before the lochingdugs of the bolt have been entirely freed from the locking-lugs of the receiver, whereby the drive-rod lifts the latch 1') hefo're the rolling movement of the holtis fully completed, thus causing the drive-rod to latch positively with the bolt at a fixed point and preventing any possibility of clogging. It is thus apparent that the driving-rod governs positively both the reciprocating and locking action of the breech'bolt and compels it to both loch and unlock at a fixed point.

The cartridges are ejected by the terminal rearward movement of the hreech-lmlt acting upon the cartridge-ejector K, which is lifted into en ement with the rear end of the cartridge y the action of the-cem-face F against its companion camsface K' on the rear end of the ejector, which causes the ejoctorto riseinto the path of the rearward movcmen tof the cartridge-shell and throw it out of the rccoiver slightly before the bolt has reached its being guided in the magazine either by acartridge-clip, which is retained in tho magazine until empty of its cartridges, or the cartridges may he placed loosely in the maga-w zine either from a magazinedillcrorhy hand, and for the purpose oi assisting and governing the magazine-feed the operation of the cartridge-latch is as follows: The function of this latch is to retain the cartridgesagamst the pressure of the cartridge-lifter until afterthe breech-lm|t has been withdriuvlrbeyond the top of the magazine, atwhich time the cam action of the lugs F on the lugs R of the. magazine.-latl-h causes the proieelious it to be witlulrawn from the path ol' the rartridges and allows them to feed up tree-iv into the path of the 'holt. \Vhen the magazine-clip is allowed to remain in the aul-a" 10 engages with the lirst notch of the ratehet ll" hy means oi the pawl U', and the cam-shaped end U" ol the pawl-lever is retained in the path of the rearward movement oi' the eam lug 1*" ol the driving-rod. 'lhe cam-lace of this log F" engages with the lug U", and the terminal part ot the rem'ward movement oi the driving-rod causes the pawl U to lift mwerl'ully on theearlridge-lifter and to Force the cartridges up into line with the here of the barrel h the direct and powerful eomhination with the driving-rod and to retain the cartridges in this position until the fmward movement of the d riving-rml lrees the lug U from the lug F 01 the driving-rod and permits the. force of the coiled spring, U, Figs. 1

and It), to swing the pawl U" into engagement with the second notch of the ratchet 'l This gives a. positive and powerful feeding of the cartridges and one which is sulliciunt to foroe the cartridges out of the clip.

The operation of refilling, the magazine with I cartudges IS as follows. lhe magazine-door b is turned on the pivot Irv hand, and when it has. moved a sullicieut distance it brings the lug S into contact with its communion lug T of the cartridge-lifter. (See Fig. 1.) The further movement of the magazine-door ea uses the cartridge-lifter T to he swung down out of the magazine for the reception of its com- 4 jilemeui of cartridge. The magaziliemay be 5lilled eithersingly by hand or from aeartridgej holder containing the required number to till :the magazine, and when the cartridge-holder i is used it is connected with the magazine, and

the cartridges push from it into the magazine when the holder is witlulrawn. I prefer. however, in operating the magazine to use a. cartridge-clip similar to that shown in Fig. -16, which consists of a Ilan 'ed gnidewa-y having anintegralIv-l'ormedspriugoartridge-retainer at its respective opposite ends and provided with an integrally-l'ormed lug a" to retain it in the magazine.

The cartridge-clip when inserted in the magazine is pushed up through the guide it until the lug 0 engages with the shoulders it, Fig. It}, at which time the magazine-door and cartridge-lifter are closed.

The operation of the magazine cut-oil is as follows: 'lhetluunh-pieee \V' of the eut-otl' is grasped by the thumb or linger, and the cut.-

on is turned until the cam it" engages the pin i as the hall leaves the chamber.

U" projecting from the side of the pawl. there.- hy hi'tm the latch-shaped lug U out of en- 5 gagement with the ratchet T, the elongated over to the position illustrated in Fig. l.

pi\'o to muiu; in th pawl-lever permittirn: this, aml therein |ll' Hi.iI|,L" the l'eed from operating on the earl ridge-lifter.

'lhe tiring speed of the arm is controlled hy a rotary piston having a valvewhieh permits a tree passag ol an oiI-rurrent in one direc tion and compels the oil to flow slowly hack in the opposit direction. The piston V is formed to he rotated in a ehandarr (i l'oruuul in the Forward end ol' the nuuzaziue. 'lhis ehmnher is provided with a partition V". Fig. 2?, whirh extends radially l'rom the neuter ol the ehamlau' lo itsr-ireuml'ereiu-e. 'lhe piston has a |ro iei -.l.in arm and lits closely in the chandler U and is pivotally supported in the same to allord a limited rotnlinff moremeut on the pin W. The (-hamher is closed In the disk or plate V and is tilled with any snitahle oil. 'lhe valve. V' isslia'htlv movable in the valve-seat and permits lheoil to How l'reel i in unerlil'uvtion and slowly in theother. The arm Y. as shown in Figs. 1. H3. and 26, projects into the path or the lugs F on the driving-rod l". and when the drivinga'od approaehes the terminal part oi' its rem'ward movement the forward and longer lug F engages with the arm V mul rotates the piston in the. rhamher i the valve opening and ullowing the oil to pass freely from its front to its rear side until the arm has heen swung The reverse movement of the driving-rod causes the arm V to engage with the short or rear lug F and toswjng the piston in an opposite direction, the pressure of the oil-current causing the valve to close so that the arm V re- .ards the forward movement of the drivingrod F until the oil has llQWull slowly hack to the opposite side of the valve through the small openings V in the valve-seat, thuseansing,' the movement of the drive-rod to he retarded in the llow of theoil-eurrrnt.

l-[aving' now pm'tienlarly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and in what manner same is to he perl'ornunl, .I deelare that what I claim is- I. In agun, the eomhinationoi'ahm'rolaud a receiver with a reciprocating: and rotating" hreeeh'hloeh having |'t-\i-lSt!l '-'llHZiiHUl cams on llt'sfllnl(|Hitt\$itl(!S,7l-Il(l asiideiuztualaxl by the gasesoldisehargeaml provided with shoulders on its opposite sides in operative engagement with said cams on the hlock.

2. In a gun. the eomhination of a reciprocating lu'eeehdmlt, a driving-rod connected with the hreoeh-lmltaml movahle in agastuhe, and a springengaging;- the driving-rial, with a gas-elmmher at or near the muzzle of the barrel in communieation with said gas-tube. said ehzunher slightly exceeding in diameter the horn oltheglm-harrehalid heingolsuoh length that the hreeeh-hloch reaehes open position 3. ln alirearm, a gas-ehamlmr which utilizes the ball as a valve to catch. or control, the

escaping gases of the discharge, in combination with a gas-tube connected with the gascbamber, the driving-rm] and piston movable in the gas-tube, a breech-bolt connected with the driving-rod, a cam-latch carried by the breeclrbolt and controlling the engagement of the driving-rod'with the brcccl1-boltahd a driving-spring in combination with the drivlog-rod.

4. In a firearm, egas-chamher which utilizes the ball as a valve to catch and control the ing apiston-head formed with 'groovesm lubricating preparation carried in the said grooves of the piston-bead, aspring resisting the movement of the driving-rod, and a reciprocating breech-bolt connected with the driving-rod.

6. In a firearm, a reciprocating breech-bolt having an extractor-seat which is formed approximately on an arc of a circle, a shell-ex tracto r havi ng a flan go, or seat, w hich is formed on a companion are, and a spring carried by the extractor to aiford a limited, latching movement of the extractor, and to lockthe c'xti'lactor during the process of extracting the s is 7. In a firearm, a driving-rod, a cam-face on the rearward end of the driving-rod, a spring resisting the movement of the driving-rod, a reciprocating brecch-bolt connected with the drivingo'od, a shell-extractor carried by the breech-bolt, and a shell-ejector engaging with the cam-face on the driving-rod to eject the shell by the terminal movement of the bolt.

8. In afirearm,the combination of adrivingrod, the sprin resisting the rearward movement of the driving-rod, a breeclrbolt connected with the driving-rod, a shell-extractor carried by the breech-bolt, an ejector engaged by the driving-rod, a scar engaging with the driving-rod, and a trigger engaging with the sear.

9. In a firearm, the combination of a trigger, having a full swing for single firing and armrtial swing for automatic firing, an ad.- jnstablc trigger-stop movable into and out of the path of the trigger, and retaining means for said stop, securing the latter in or out of the path of the trigger at the will of the gunner, whereby the some may be set for single or automatic [iring as desired.

i0. in a firearm, the combination of a trigger having a full swing for single firing and a partial swing for automatic firing, an adjnstahle trigger-sic p, and means engaging and retaining said. step against the trigger in the normal position of the latter, or out of the path of the trigger orin the path of the swing of the some according to the adjustment thereof.

11. In a firearm, the combination of a driving-rod, a breech-bolt connected with the driving-rod, the spring resisting the movementof the (hi ring-rod, a eartridge-mugazino projecting into the path of the breech-bolt, acartridge-liftcr movable in the magazine, a pawl engaging with the cartridge-lifter and having a cam-face located in the path of the rearward movement of the driving-rod and engaging with a companion cam-face on the driving-rod to transfer cartridges from themagnzinc to the barrel.

12. In a firearm, the combination ofa driving-rod, a spring resisting the movement of the driving-rod, a breech-boltconnectcd with the driving-rod, a cartridge-magazine projecting into the path of the breech-bolt, a cartridgelifter movable in the magazine and having a ratchct-and-pawl connect-ion with the driving-rod to transfer cartridges from the magazine to the barrel.

' 13. In a firearm, the combination ofadrivingrod, a spring resisting the movement thereof, a, brecch-boltconneotcd thereto, a cartridge-magazine projecting into the path of said belt, a cartridge-lifter movable in the magazine having a ratchet thereon, a pawl operating in conjunction with said ratchet, and having a cam-lug thereon and projecting into the path of an actuating-lug on the driving-rod, whereby the lifter is actuated to raise cartridges into the path of the bolt.

14. In a gun, the combination of a drivingrod actuated by the gases of discharge in one direction, a spring actuating the rod in the other direction, a brcech-boltoperated by said rod, and yielding means engaging said rod in opposition of said spring,

15. In a gun. a driving-rod, aspring resisting the movement thereof in one direction, a breech-bolt connected thereto, a pawl engaged and actuated by the driving-rod, when moving in either direction, a resisting medium in which said pawl moves and a valve in said pawl opening freely in one direction only and a. restricted passtgc through said pawl when the valve is closed whereby the firing speed of the gun is governed.

16. In an automatic gun, the combination of breech mechanism, a. gas-actuated means operating said mechanism and o gas-chamber controlling the action of the gases of explosion on said means with the devices for ad justlog the length of said chamber.

17. In an automatic gun, the combination of breech mechanism, gas-actuated devices operating said mechanism; a gas-chamber controlling the action of the gases of explosion on said havivvs, and cnnslituling an enlargemvnt. uf lzhc hum of the barrel, and means mljusbing the diameter of said chzunhur at; its out-let.

18. in n. gum gas-chandler formed at 0| near the 0m! uf t-he harrel. :vslot or opening extending through (he walls of said chamber m the atmosphere, :m ndjuxmhle menus gov arming the size 0| szud slot or owning.

S.\ M U EL N [CAL MUULEA N.

\Vii-nmsQ-St V. M. Wmmcs, WM. ll. 1):: 1mm: 

